The 2012 Bridgeport ArtTrail will feature the work of scores of Connecticut artists. Above is Fairfield artist Tom Brenner's "Seaside Park."

The 2012 Bridgeport ArtTrail will feature the work of scores of Connecticut artists. Above is Fairfield artist Tom Brenner's "Seaside Park."

Photo: Contributed Photo

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Receptions, talks and special art-related events will be featured during the 4th annual Bridgeport ArtTrail, Nov. 8-11. Above is an informal gathering last year at City Lights Gallery.

Receptions, talks and special art-related events will be featured during the 4th annual Bridgeport ArtTrail, Nov. 8-11. Above is an informal gathering last year at City Lights Gallery.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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Receptions, talks and special art-related events will be featured during the 4th annual Bridgeport ArtTrail. Above is a dance performance at last year's City Lights' festivities.

Receptions, talks and special art-related events will be featured during the 4th annual Bridgeport ArtTrail. Above is a dance performance at last year's City Lights' festivities.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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Renowned textile designer Denyse Schmidt will present a quilting demonstration at her studio in the American Fabrics building on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Above is the entrance to her space, decorated with quilts. less

Renowned textile designer Denyse Schmidt will present a quilting demonstration at her studio in the American Fabrics building on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Above is the entrance to her space, ... more

Photo: Contributed Photo

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Receptions, talks and special art-related events will be featured during the 4th annual Bridgeport ArtTrail. Above is a reception last year at 305 Knowlton St. Gallery.

Receptions, talks and special art-related events will be featured during the 4th annual Bridgeport ArtTrail. Above is a reception last year at 305 Knowlton St. Gallery.

Photo: Contributed Photo

ArtTrail explores Bridgeport's creative side, sights

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A four-day celebration of all things creative, cultural and arts-related in Bridgeport is slated this Veterans Day weekend, when more than two dozen participating organizations will be opening wide their doors and gates.

The fourth annual Bridgeport ArtTrail, scheduled to run Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 8 to 11, will feature a host of special events: gallery openings and receptions; open studios at several former factory buildings; bus and bicycle tours of the area; exhibits at the Barnum, Discovery and Housatonic museums; and "open house" events at such sites as the Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Council in the historic Main Street Arcade and the Bridgeport History Center in the Burroughs & Saden Library.

This annual event is an opportunity for art-lovers throughout the state to familiarize themselves with all that Bridgeport has to offer, said Suzanne Kachmar, director of the nonprofit City Lights Gallery and event organizer.

"Visitors are welcome to use the ArtTrail guide to tour the city and venues independently and learn about the growing cultural community of the Park City," she said, adding that printed guides (with a schedule of events) are available and information can be found on the website: www.bridgeport-art-trail.org.

More Information

ArtTrail brochures are available at several participating locations, including City Lights Gallery, 37 Markle Court, near McLevy Green. For more information: 203-334-7748, www.citylightsgallery.org or www.bridgeport-art-trail.org.

Sponsors this year include the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut Office of the Arts, Bridgeport Arts and Cultural Council, Fairfield County Community Foundation, People's United Bank, UIL Holdings Corp., City Lights Gallery and WPKN Radio 89.5 FM.

New this year

Beyond downtown, "we don't recommend walking; the ArtTrail is city-wide" extending beyond city center to the East End, the East Side, Black Rock and the South End, Kachmar pointed out.

For those who would like to participate in organized tours, two new options are available.

On a Bicycle ArtTrail Tour participants will stop at numerous sites and get plenty of exercise in the process. The tour will leave City Lights Gallery at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10. To make a reservation, check the website.

An inaugural ArtTrail Bus Tour also is set for Saturday, departing City Lights Gallery at 10 a.m. Participants will be invited to "view art and enjoy a little coffee an' before boarding the bus." Led by Kachmar, the tour will include stops at the American Fabrics Arts Building, 305 Knowlton St. Studios, the Read's Artspace/Ground Floor Gallery and the NEST building. Lunch will be provided. Reservations and a $50 participation fee are required; clgallerybpt@gmail.com.

"I urge visitors to tour these locations ... It's a great way to get insight into the creative process and environment that artists work and live in. In these raw spaces anything is possible," she added.

Or take the bus on your own -- for free.

"Greater Bridgeport Transit will contribute a limited number of free ArtTrail bus passes to be dispensed at City Lights," Kachmar explained. "There is a bus stop steps away from the gallery in downtown Bridgeport; GBT staff will be available to make taking the bus user friendly."

Demonstrations/Events

At the studio of the internationally renowned textile designer Denyse Schmidt, a quilting demonstration will be presented on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Schmidt has been headquartered in the American Fabrics building on Connecticut Avenue for several years along with about 30 artists who specialize in fine art (drawing, painting, photography, prints, sculpture) and those creating such fine crafts as woodworking, pottery, fabric arts and jewelry.

On Saturday, from about noon to 4 p.m., artists from Read's Artspace will conduct an Art Bazaar with "select fine art items, original CD's and handmade wares."

Other happenings:

In conjunction with City Lights' new exhibit "Shared Memories/Memorias Compartidas," a Friday, Nov. 9, presentation will feature curator Benjamin Ortiz and visual artists Imna Arroyo, from Puerto Rico/USA; Ramon Vargas Artiz from Cuba; and Raouf Mama from Benin. This event will begin with refreshments from 6-6:30 p.m., and continue to about 9. This event is free, but a donation of $5 is suggested.

Artist Robin Gilmore will lead a paper jewelry-making workshop on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at City Lights. Class fee is $35. "This could be a great girl's afternoon out, an opportunity to learn a new jewelry-making technique or make handmade holiday gifts," Kachmar said. Registration is required by contacting City Lights.

World Artists Network is offering a printmaking demonstration for kids on Sunday, Nov. 11, at City Lights.